Police traffic regulations for Independence Day weekend

The Darien Police Department will enforce special traffic regulations for this weekend’s Fourth of July celebrations happening at Darien High School and downtown.

The following regulations will be in force the evening of Friday, July 3, 2015 for the fireworks display at Darien High School (rain date Sunday, July 5th).

For 2015, All parking in the high school lot will be with a pre-paid permit only. This permit must be visible in the vehicles windshield when approaching the main gate.

All traffic will enter the high school grounds via Noroton Avenue.Cars will be parked in a manner so that all vehicles will be facing away from the high school area to expedite traffic flow at the conclusion of the display.No vehicles will be allowed to enter the high school property until 6:30 PM.

Residents should be advised that there are a limited number of handicapped parking spaces available and a handicapped permit will be required to access the handicapped area.

Due to the large number of persons expected to attend this display, it is urged that whenever possible, residents allow sufficient time to walk to the display area to alleviate as much as possible the anticipated traffic congestion.

Approximately 34 police officers will be stationed at various points along with barricades and “No Parking” signs to regulate parking. Due to the large number of vehicles expected, it will be necessary to enforce parking regulations by designating tow away zones.Vehicles that are determined to be in a hazardous location, vehicles that are impeding traffic flow and vehicles that are blocking driveways will be towed away by an on duty wrecker that will be on site throughout the event.

REMINDER: No alcoholic beverages are allowed on any school property.In addition, anyone caught tampering with or removing NO PARKING signs will be arrested.

When capacity has been reached for all parking, Noroton Avenue Extension will be closed.Parents are reminded that they will not be allowed into the high school area to pick up their children until after the roads are clear. Parents should arrange a pickup site and tell their children to wait at that site until they can gain entry into the area. For the safety of all spectators, light colored clothing should be worn and if possible, spectators should carry a flashlight or a chemical light.

A police department and emergency services command post will be located in the parking lot near the entrance to the football field.

As a safety precaution, the Darien Police Department will be deploying additional assets to this event and all bags, backpacks and coolers will be subject to inspection.

The annual “Push and Pull Parade” will be held on Saturday, July 4th at 10:30 am. Motorists are advised to avoid the downtown area during the parade due to traffic restrictions, which could cause possible delays.

The parade will step off from the Goodwives Shopping Center on Old Kings Highway North at 10:30 am, proceeding up Brookside Road and turning left onto the Post Road. It will continue westbound on the Post Road and make a right turn onto West Avenue. The parade will end at Tilley Park.

The Post Road (Route 1) will be closed from Brookside Road to West Avenue.